Jeff Doorn
I appreciate many things about Friendship Center—Pastor Ron’s careful and thorough teaching of the Bible for sure, but more than that, I feel welcome. I feel safe to be myself. There is no judgment. I experience hospitality.
Henri Nouwen, a Dutch-born Catholic priest, professor, psychologist, and author had this to say about hospitality: “The church is perhaps one of the few places left where we can meet people who are different than we are but with whom we can form a larger family. Hospitality means primarily the creation of a safe space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy. Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place. It is not to bring men and women over to our side, but to offer freedom not disturbed by dividing lines. It is not to lead our neighbor into a corner where there are no alternatives left, but to open a wide spectrum of options for choice and commitment. It is not an educated intimidation with good books, good stories, and good works, but the liberation of fearful hearts so that words can find roots and bear ample fruit.” This is the hospitality that I experience at Friendship Center.
So, if you are looking for hospitality, if you are looking for a place to worship and deepen your relationship with Jesus, or if you are just curious to learn more about the Bible and the opportunity to start a relationship with Jesus, stop by the Laredo Room on Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. and join us.